Editorial December 19, 1925 Issue

The Prince of Peace

Albert F. Gilmore

That in the fullness of time there should appear on the earth a Messiah, a king and deliverer, was the firm conviction of the ancient prophets. "His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace," was the declaration of the saintly Isaiah. A modern translator has interpreted the title of this divine peacemaker in these words: "A wonder of a Counsellor, a divine hero and father for all time, a peaceful prince," a rendition which illumines the thought of the prophet with a new light. Moreover, the Prince of Peace was not God, although he was by far the wisest counselor who ever appealed to the human heart.

As a peacemaker Christ Jesus brought to earth a new message, a message which has proved its authority whenever faithfully applied in the affairs of men. The peace he would have established was not a mere agreement between persons and nations to cease from strife, from the waging of warfare, however important such agreement may be; it was the peace which results when men recognize God the Father as the Supreme Ruler of the universe, which He governs with exact justice. This reign, the governance of infinite Love, is neither harsh nor constrictive, but the merciful ministry of divine grace, which enfolds its perfect expression, man, in unchanging, ineffable tenderness. How far in advance of the armed peace of the nations was the peace Christ Jesus brought to earth!

Micah also foretold the role of Messiah as a peacemaker and defender in the time when Israel should be beset by her enemies. "And this man," he declared, "shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land." The Prince of Peace would be their sure safeguard against the forces of evil, for he would be armed in the strength of the Lord "in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God." How far from the advent of a war lord, beating down his enemies by military means, was the coming of the lowly Jesus! In the meekness of one who recognized God as the source of all might, while demonstrating the ability to destroy evil in its most threatening forms, he arrogated to himself no glory; invariably he turned the thought of his hearers to the Father. How well he knew that lasting peace could be established on no other basis! That mere human agreements are not a guaranty against the aggression of evil has been proved throughout the world's history. Jesus brought the peace which is permanent because divine.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Editorial
Joy
December 19, 1925
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit